The Whale Science Voyage

Transcription

1 MARCH 2ND 15TH, 2019 The Whale Science Voyage Aboard the Island Sky

2 CONTENTS OUR SHIP ACCOMMODATIONS ITINERARY WHOI TEAM ADVENTURE OPTIONS CITIZEN SCIENCE RATES & DATES DECK PLAN

3 Dear Traveler, Over the years I have had many conversations with colleagues about how to combine the best elements of polar travel, and in 2010 a group of like-minded polar professionals and I took these conversations a step further, and set out to create a new kind of company. We decided early on that our mission would be to provide Antarctic travelers with best in class experiences. To that end we sought out the best guides, naturalists, and expedition crew members we had worked with over the years, and began persuading them to join us. At the same time we began an intensive search for the best possible vessel. There are many ways to encounter the Antarctic: From the deck of a small expeditionary ship, in a Zodiac or a kayak, or camping overnight along the shore. Our goal was to acquire a ship that would act as a platform for these experiences without sacrificing the comfort and ease that you would enjoy at a fine boutique hotel. I m thrilled to say that Polar Latitudes has become the company we envisioned. Our vessels, the Hebridean Sky & Island Sky boast a level of comfort and safety unmatched in polar waters. Our world-class team has developed programs for both firsttime visitors and those returning for a deeper exploration, and our onboard staff stands ready to fulfill their mission, to create and lead superior polar expedition cruises with a focus on you, our guest. On the following pages you ll find the particulars of what makes Polar Latitudes voyages unique. I hope they will inspire you to join us. Our partners will be happy to provide you with further details. Sincerely, John McKeon President Polar Latitudes POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 3

4 Our Ship Island Sky On board you ll find fifty-nine spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies, while those on the Promenade Deck feature tinted, sliding glass doors allowing enhanced viewing opportunities from your suite and quick access to the deck when a pod of whales is spotted. The vessel is outfitted with wood panelling and brass, which predominate throughout, conveying the atmosphere of an old-world private yacht. For a deck plan please see page

5 OUR SHIP Impeccable Small Ship Amenities Club SERVICES World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photo Coach On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Free, Optional Pre-Arrival Night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Lounge FACILITIES Elevator serving all passenger decks 100 minutes of WIFI Internet for your personal device Free Internet on computers in the Library Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Lido Deck WORLD-CLASS CUISINE Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Reception POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 5

6 ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations Owner's Suite Two room suite with sitting room and bedroom. 385 sq. ft. (34 m²) including a 110 sq. ft. (10.2 m²) balcony All Suites Feature Exterior views Nearly all suites can be configured with your choice of one queen or two twin beds. Sitting area with sofa and/or side chairs Flat Screen TV Telephone En-suite temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 225 sq. ft. or more Owner s, Penthouse & Veranda Suites include all Standard Features Plus En suite Champagne & Chocolates on arrival Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks) En suite Nespresso machine Please Note: Veranda, Penthouse & Owner s Suites include a private balcony. Promenade & Deluxe Suites include all Standard Features Plus Tinted Sliding Glass Door to bring Antarctica into your suite and give easy access to Promenade Deck En suite Champagne & Chocolates on arrival Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks) En suite Nespresso machine available on Request

7 ACCOMMODATIONS Penthouse Suites Suites with private balcony and sitting area with side chairs and table 325 sq. ft. (30 m 2 ) including an 80 sq. ft. (7.4 m 2 ) balcony Veranda Suites Suites with private balcony and sitting area with side chairs and table 260 sq. ft. (24 m 2 ) including a 40 sq. ft. (3.7 m 2 ) balcony Deluxe Suites Suites with tinted sliding glass door onto the Promenade deck and side window, sitting area with sofa 240 sq. ft. (22 m 2 ) Promenade Suites Suites with tinted sliding glass door onto the Promenade deck and sitting area with sofa 220 sq. ft. (20.4 m 2 ) Window & Triple Suites Suites with window and sitting area with sofa 225 sq. ft. (21 m 2 ) Porthole Suites Suites with porthole and sitting area with sofa 235 sq. ft. (21.8 m 2 ) Please note: All dimensions are approximate POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 7

8 ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel Partners In Ushuaia A member of the Leading Hotels of the World All of Polar Latitudes' Ushuaia departures begin with a complimentary stay at the Arakur Resort and Spa, and include a free, optional pre-arrival night to take the stress out of traveling (see itineraries for details). Located on a beautiful ridge inside Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve, Arakur offers breathtaking views and sophisticated décor

9 ACCOMMODATIONS A network of hiking trails begins at the hotel and wends its way through beautiful forest, prairie and mountain settings, while state of the art spa & exercise facilities offer guests a plethora of pleasant activities. The Lobby Piano Bar features splendid views and an assortment of tasty local treats to accompany your cocktails. The Resort s La Cravia restaurant offers both Argentine and international cuisine. Typical dinner entrees include Argentine barbecue, spider crab, lamb and black hake. In the morning enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast before your afternoon departure. Relax at the resort, or head into Ushuaia for some pre-embarkation shopping. POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 9

10 ITINERARY The Antarctic Peninsula Whale Science Voyage DEPARTURE Mar 02 15, 2019 ISK 14 Days A collaboration between Polar Latitudes & the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Join Polar Latitudes and WHOI*, the world's leading independent non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, for a trip to Antarctica and a study on the feeding habits of humpback whales. Humpbacks migrate thousands of miles to their feeding ground in the Southern Ocean, yet nothing is known about how these whales find the krill that they consume. The more we can learn, the better we can understand how global warming, which is impacting the distribution and volume of krill in our oceans, will affect large whale populations. All guests on this voyage will have the opportunity to participate as the scientists on board track whales and collect data. In addition to ongoing briefings on the study's progress, we will hold a panel discussion on The Future of the Antarctic. The panel will feature the WHOI Team, our own whale expert, Annette Bombosch, PhD, and special guest, Peter Neill, the founding Director of the World Ocean Observatory, a platform for education and information exchange on the health of the ocean. This itinerary also includes the normal activities of our regular Antarctic Peninsula voyages. * WHOI is a trademark and service mark of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, all rights reserved

11 ITINERARY FULL 14 DAY ITINERARY Complimentary Pre-Arrival Day: Don't sweat flight delays or missed connections when you begin your adventure a day early by taking advantage of our optional free pre-arrival night at the beautiful Arakur Hotel & Resort, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Enjoy the spa, wander the trails, or unwind and soak in the surroundings. Day 1, Ushuaia: Today is all yours: explore some of the sights that Ushuaia has to offer, from museums to Argentinean leather markets, or continue relaxing at the lovely Arakur. Our optional evening briefing is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to meet some of your fellow travelers. Day 2, Embarkation: After a complimentary buffet breakfast, you're free to explore Ushuaia or unwind at the resort until our mid-afternoon transfer to the ship. On board, you'll be greeted by our Expedition Team and the Ship's Officers. A concise safety and orientation briefing will be followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the scenery on our early evening sail through the Beagle Channel, past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies. history, including helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety. The WHOI Team will present us with an overview of their study's goals and methods. Eventually, we'll cross the Antarctic Convergence where we'll notice a distinct drop in temperature as we enter the waters of the Southern Ocean. Those eager to participate in Citizen Science can take part in seabird sighting surveys or help collect salinity samples and weather data along the way. The length of our journey depends on sea conditions, but we should approach the South Shetland Islands in the evening of Day 4. We will keep especially keen watch for pelagic whales as we approach the nutrient rich upwelling areas of the Continental Shelf. Day 5-8, Antarctica: Day 3-4, Drake Passage: As we make our way ever closer to the white continent, our Expedition Team will be out on deck and on the bridge, looking for the whales and dolphins that may be seen as we travel south. They will prepare us with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to Exploring the South Shetland Islands, we may visit Half Moon Island with its stunning backdrop of mountainous and glaciated Livingston Island. Or perhaps we will sail the ship into an active volcano with an opportunity to take a dip in the relatively balmy waters that surround Deception Island. Bransfield Strait, once the site of an abandoned whaling station, gives us an excellent chance to see whales, which often return to its rich waters. Please see pages 18 & 19 for detailed information on rates and dates. POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 11

12 ITINERARY In the waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula, our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and previous sightings to maximize our whale watching opportunities, while also exploring some of the lesser-travelled areas of the Peninsula. We will aim for the most scenic bays and channels, with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas, as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. The WHOI Team will begin their research, and will give us periodic updates on the study's progress. Day 9-11, Antarctica: Heading further South, we will be sure to explore the Gerlache Strait and its surrounding channels and islands. This may include trips to picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the humpback whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Strait, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland's Arctowksi or Ukraine's Vernadsky as well as a historic base such as U.K.'s Port Lockroy or Wordie House. At this time of year, most areas have amazing marine mammal viewing opportunities with Antarctic fur seals, Weddell, crabeater often found hauled out to rest along with predatory leopard Seals. Minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors during this season and orca sightings are also common. All of our onboard experts will take part in a panel discussion on The Future of the Antarctic Ecosystem. Day 12-13, Drake Passage: As we leave this magical place and make our way north, heading again across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage, we will continue our presentation series and wildlife spotting. The WHOI Team will give us a final briefing on their field results. Sailing back to Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, we celebrate the conclusion of our expedition with a special slideshow. Day 14, Ushuaia disembarkation: Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure

13 WHOI TEAM The Antarctic Peninsula Whale Science Voyage with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution* Team Bios Daniel Zitterbart, PhD Team Leader WHOI Whale Study Team Dan will be leading this study. He is a specialist in the use of motion in biological systems and uses artificial intelligence to unravel behavioral traits. He will be responsible for the study's design, protocols and experiment execution. Kylie Owen, PhD Whale Behavioral Specialist WHOI Whale Study Team Kylie is the team's whale foraging specialist. She will take the lead in finding the whales, following them and assessing their behavior. Joseph D Warren, PhD Krill Specialist WHOI Whale Study Team Joe is an expert in finding what whales eat. He will operate the sonar we use to map krill distribution during our study. Alessandro Bocconcelli, MS Whale Tracking Technician WHOI Whale Study Team Alex has been involved with whale studies for more than 30 years and will be responsible for all of the technology used in this study. Peter Neill, Founder W.O.O. Special Guest Peter is the Founder and Director of the World Ocean Observatory, a web-based place of exchange about the ocean and its relationship to climate, fresh water, food, energy, health, security, economic development, policy, governance, and cultural traditions. Annette Bombosch, PhD Polar Latitudes Marine Mammals Specialist WHOI Guest Investigator Annette studied humpback habitats in the Southern Ocean for her PhD, and has been part of the Polar Latitudes Expedition Team since She is one of Polar Latitudes' Citizen Science Coordinators and leads the communication of the team's scientific methods and results to the guests. * WHOI is a trademark and service mark of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, all rights reserved. POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 13

14 ADVENTURE OPTIONS Adventure Options Enrich Your Experience, Glide Amongst the Icebergs, Sleep Under the Stars. Kayaking If you ve savored the peaceful feeling of floating through nature that can only be found in a kayak, you re going to love kayaking in Antarctica. As in all activities on the peninsula, we take advantage of good weather, and put our kayaks into calm protected waters, in what are indisputably some of the most beautiful settings on earth. You won t need to bring any special gear. You supply the passion and a bit of basic kayaking competency and we ll provide everything else, including kayaks, dry suits and pogies. The number of kayaking opportunities will vary based on the length of your itinerary and the weather. Our Expedition Leader and kayaking guide team will evaluate the opportunities at each landing site, and put-in as often as they determine is safely possible. Complete details are available from your travel agent. Who Can Participate? Any passenger age 16 or over, in good health and with basic paddling experience is welcome to participate in the kayaking option. What Experience Level Is Required? Basic paddling experience is highly recommended. Participants should be capable of getting in and out of a kayak, doing a wet exit (not that we ever expect to need this), and performing forward and back strokes. Prior to each excursion the kayak guides will clearly explain the upcoming outing and expected conditions so paddlers can make informed decisions as to participation. kayak team. We will make every effort to paddle as often as possible, but weather, sea, ice, and other conditions may preclude this. The Expedition Leader and kayak guides are the ultimate authorities on this. What Is Included? Kayaks we offer a mix of tandems and singles Dry suits Paddles Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Pogies (neoprene gloves) Booties Is There A Participant Limit? We can accommodate 16 participants per voyage. Sign up early the kayak option fills quickly! How Often Will We Paddle? At each landing site that offers appropriate conditions we will offer the activity after a short briefing by the What Do Passengers Need To Supply? Very little beyond enthusiasm, basic skills, flexibility, and an honest appraisal of experience and health conditions. Participants will need to bring proper personal clothing as noted in our supplied preparation notes. You might also want to bring a waterproof camera or a dry bag

15 ADVENTURE OPTIONS Camping After a full day and delicious dinner onboard, jump back in the Zodiacs and head ashore for a night of camping in Antarctica! Enjoy the sounds of the waves and brash ice on the beach, the creaking of the glaciers, maybe even the blow of a passing whale. Warm and cozy in your sleeping bag under the midnight sun, you will be breathing the cleanest air in the most beautiful place on the planet. Get a taste of Antarctica as it was experienced by the early explorers, knowing that in the morning a hot shower and a hearty breakfast, await you on board. Camping is available on all Antarctic Peninsula Voyages. No special skills are required and all equipment is provided by Polar Latitudes. Complete details are available from your travel agent. Who Can Participate? Guests aged 12 and older with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to rough-it for a night. Sleeping on the ice in Antarctica is the ultimate camping experience! How Often Will We Camp? Camping is limited to one night per voyage and is available on most, but not all, voyages that travel to the Peninsula. Please enquire for details. Is There A Participant Limit? We can accommodate 30 participants per voyage. Sign up early the camping option frequently sells out! What Is Included? We provide the following camping equipment: Insulated sleeping bag, rated to -20 F (-29 C). We do not expect temperatures below 10 F, but warmer bags ensure your comfort overnight. Sleeping bag liner One dry-bag for pillow and change of dry clothes 4-season mountaineering tents A limited number of mountaineering bivy sacks (optional, if a few individuals wish to sleep out) Insulated sleeping pads We will also provide one portable toilet for the group. True darkness during the polar summer is limited or absent, so a headlamp or flashlight is not required equipment; though you may wish to bring a light on trips departing after February 1, when the night sun is less powerful. What Do Passengers Need To Supply? To take part in the camping program, you must be appropriately dressed. Details of the recommended clothing are listed in our preparatory material. For detailed rate and date information on all activities please see page 18. Note: Space on Adventure Activities is limited, and typically sells-out prior to departure. POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 15

16 CITIZEN SCIENCE Citizen Science Today research teams are relying more and more on the power of travelers to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena, particularly in remote and difficult locations like the Antarctic. Our Citizen Science program not only provides academic researchers access to much-needed data, it also serves to educate passengers on the delicate ecology of the White Continent, and brings them a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, this unique destination. Guests on all Polar Latitudes voyages are invited to participate in a variety of hands-on activities that support important, current research projects in four major disciplines: Oceanography, Glaciology, Ornithology and Marine Biology. The data we collect contributes to better understanding of how climate change is affecting the Antarctic Continent

17 CITIZEN SCIENCE Taking Phytoplankton samples for the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Attempting to better understand the health of the Antarctic biosphere. Mapping cloud patterns for NASA's Globe Observer Program. Penguin surveys for Stony Brook University, NY. Studying penguin population dynamics. Photographing whale flukes for the Happy Whale project. Happy Whale identifies and tracks individual whales around the world using sophisticated image matching software. POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 17

18 RATES & DATES Rates & Dates Voyage dates (includes hotel night) Ship Name Begin/End Itinerary Days Triple Suite Porthole Suite Window Suite Promenade Suite Deluxe Suite Veranda Suite Penthouse Suite Owner s Suite Mar 2 Mar 15, 2019 ISK USH/USH WHALE 14 $9,995 $12,495 $14,595 $15,295 $15,695 $16,495 $18,995 $21,995 Important Details The dates & prices, for all of the itineraries listed above, include a preembarkation hotel night at the port of embarkation. Trip lengths include the day you arrive and the day on which you disembark. Prices quoted are per-person based on double/triple occupancy. For complete details on program inclusions and conditions please enquire. Please note The third berth in a triple suite is suitable for passengers up to 5 10 in height. A limited number of twin suites may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate. Friends & Family Have three people in your party? Most suites have a sofa, which converts to a bed suitable for persons up to 5 10 in height. Rates vary by category, please enquire. Inclusions Two nights of hotel accommodation in Ushuaia Transfers from airport in Ushuaia to the Arakur, and from the Arakur to the ship Shipboard accommodations All scheduled Landings / excursions All meals on board Coffee/tea/cocoa 24 hours daily House wine / beer / soft drinks with dinner In Owner s, Penthouse, Veranda, Deluxe and Promenade suites: - champagne and chocolates on arrival - complimentary mini-bar, restocked once daily Expedition jacket (yours to keep) A pair of boots for use during the voyage WiFi from the public computers in the library 100 minute WiFi card (for use on your personal devices) Digital Voyage Log Group transfer from ship following disembarkation Adventure Activities Kayaking: $695 Camping: $125 Please sign up at time of booking, space is limited Citizen Science: Included Photography: Included Sign up on board available to all guests THE INFORMATION IN THIS BROCHURE IS ACCURATE AS OF JULY 1ST, FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US AT: POLAR-LATITUDES.COM

19 DECK PLAN MS Island Sky Owner's Suite Veranda Suites Promenade Suites Triple Suites Penthouse Suites Deluxe Suites Window Suites Porthole Suites Deluxe and Promenade Suites have a tinted sliding glass door to bring Antarctica into your suite and give easy access to the Promenade Deck As of June 12, 2017 Observation Area Bridge Hospital Owner s Suite Deck Access Deck Access STAIRS STAIRS STAIRS LIFT LIFT Reception 348 STAIRS STAIRS STAIRS LIFT LIFT LIFT STAIRS Sun Deck Outdoor Cafe The Club Library Lounge Restaurant Zodiac Boarding Platform PENTHOUSE DECK VERANDA DECK PROMENADE DECK DECK 3 DECK 2 POLAR-LATITUDES.COM 19

20 Polar Latitudes Post Office Box 1227 White River Junction, VT (1) Life-Changing Journeys To The Last Wild Place